As a youngster of 9 or 10, I decided that I wanted to join my Dad, and his running partner Steve, on their jogs. I fancied myself capable, and they were kind enough to indulge me.
My Dad, for his bit, had completed the erstwhile running bible by Jim Fixx, and had added the complete Rocky (cue the music) workout wardrobe to his exercise paraphernalia. Dad was all grey sweats, oatmeal & raw eggs. Committed to personal fitness. I was hooked.
Our first jaunt took us outside the Aspen Glen trailer park, down a fairly steep, paved grade, and on to the gravel shoulder of Highway 82 towards Aspen (more on this in an upcoming post). I pedaled my stubby legs as hard as they would go in an effort to keep up.
Easily distracted by passing traffic, actually afraid I was going to die of a burst lung or at the bumper of an oncoming Chevy Vega, I fell forward - hands out - into the cinders. The meat grinder of runners and cyclists alike.
Barking your hands on the cinders is no bueno. My Dad heard me go down, stopped and turned back. I remember him saying to me, "You're hurt, but not badly. We can go back or we can finish. It's up to you."
Skin peeled back on the palm of one hand and scrapes on the other - his words resonated with me, and I decided to finish.
My hands throbbed the entire time. Blood trickled to my outstretched finger tips, dried, and told the tale of the now determined young runner.
Once back at the trailer, I had the honor of listening to my Mom give my Dad an "I told you so" speech while he washed gravel bits out of my hands under cold water. I felt amazing.
So, here's the skinny. 3.5 things leaders should know;
1. Clothes - fashions will come and go. It's the heart that matters.
2. Distractions - be aware, but never focused, on the cinders and Vegas.
3. Falling - eventually you'll fall. Scrapes happen. Get up, clean up, drive on.
3.5. Finish - the real or imaginary line of completion holds personal triumph.
I'd give almost anything to run with my Dad again. The pleasure of that day taught me so much - as do the days you have as a leader. What a gift.
Take my advice. It's worth way more than you paid for it.
JS
My Dad, for his bit, had completed the erstwhile running bible by Jim Fixx, and had added the complete Rocky (cue the music) workout wardrobe to his exercise paraphernalia. Dad was all grey sweats, oatmeal & raw eggs. Committed to personal fitness. I was hooked.
Our first jaunt took us outside the Aspen Glen trailer park, down a fairly steep, paved grade, and on to the gravel shoulder of Highway 82 towards Aspen (more on this in an upcoming post). I pedaled my stubby legs as hard as they would go in an effort to keep up.
Easily distracted by passing traffic, actually afraid I was going to die of a burst lung or at the bumper of an oncoming Chevy Vega, I fell forward - hands out - into the cinders. The meat grinder of runners and cyclists alike.
Barking your hands on the cinders is no bueno. My Dad heard me go down, stopped and turned back. I remember him saying to me, "You're hurt, but not badly. We can go back or we can finish. It's up to you."
Skin peeled back on the palm of one hand and scrapes on the other - his words resonated with me, and I decided to finish.
My hands throbbed the entire time. Blood trickled to my outstretched finger tips, dried, and told the tale of the now determined young runner.
Once back at the trailer, I had the honor of listening to my Mom give my Dad an "I told you so" speech while he washed gravel bits out of my hands under cold water. I felt amazing.
So, here's the skinny. 3.5 things leaders should know;
1. Clothes - fashions will come and go. It's the heart that matters.
2. Distractions - be aware, but never focused, on the cinders and Vegas.
3. Falling - eventually you'll fall. Scrapes happen. Get up, clean up, drive on.
3.5. Finish - the real or imaginary line of completion holds personal triumph.
I'd give almost anything to run with my Dad again. The pleasure of that day taught me so much - as do the days you have as a leader. What a gift.
Take my advice. It's worth way more than you paid for it.
JS
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